System and method for generating a personalised mms message having a redeemable component

ABSTRACT

A method for generating a unique and personalised MMS message having a redeemable component enables the instant delivery and receipt of individual and personalised, trackable, rich media messages direct to any mobile user. The method includes receiving, at a server from a first computing device, a selection of an MMS message product; receiving, at the server from the first computing device, a recipient contact identifier identifying a recipient mobile number; performing, via the server, a security verification of a recipient or sender based on the recipient mobile number or one or more details of the sender received from the first computing device; where the security verification is successful, generating, via the server, based on the selection of the MMS message product, a personalised MMS message having a redeemable component and a personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient; and transmitting, the personalised MMS message to a recipient mobile computing device via a multimedia message service using the recipient mobile number; whereby the personalised MMS message is scannable or otherwise immediately redeemable from the recipient mobile computing device to pay for one or more products and/or services.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a system and method for generatingunique, personalised MMS messages having unique information content forthe individual recipient. In particular, the present invention relatesto generating digital images, value holding images such as gift cards,voucher, coupons, as well as unique advertisements or informationalmessages. The unique message can be scanned by an electronic readerdevice or is otherwise immediately redeemable buy the user from a mobilecomputing device.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Typically, gift cards, also known as gift vouchers, tokens orcertificates, have a monetary value that can be exchanged for goodsand/or services at specific businesses. Many retailers offer gift cardsin the form of a plastic debit card having a magnetic strip orelectronic chip that can be swiped through a reader at a point of sale.A disadvantage of such plastic cards is that users must remember tocarry the cards with them when shopping, and large collections of suchcards can be cumbersome to store in a wallet or purse.

Some retailers offer Egift cards for sale online. These gift cardsgenerally include a code that the user must click on to have the carddelivered to their email address. The card is not delivered from theonline purchaser of the online gift card. When the code is clicked apage displays a gift card number that is provided to the retailer, or apage including a barcode that can be printed out and scanned by theretailer. Some retailers also send a message via email or short messageservice (SMS) to a person for whom the gift card has been purchased,which provides a uniform resource locator (URL) link to a registrationpage to sign up and access a gift card.

While online gift cards can be easier to purchase, the above approachescan make online gift cards less convenient to use than plastic giftcards. In many instances Egift cards are not seen by the receiver, asthey get mixed up in the bulk of promotional email that has becomeprevalent. Also, the registration processes required for online cardsare often impersonal and time consuming, arid there are also risks tothe user by clicking on an unknown truncated link, which detract fromthe spontaneous and desirable excitement involved in giving andreceiving a gift.

Further, online scam messages relating to online gift cards can also besent to computing devices via email or SMS message, and can provide URLlinks which direct the computing device to viruses or other malware.This can deter users from trusting or opening emails or SMS messagesrelating to online gift cards, and can also result in emails concerningonline gift cards being blocked by spam filters.

Other types of business to people (B2P) communications, such aselectronic vouchers, coupons, advertisements and messages, also sufferfrom similar problems as those described above.

There is therefore a need for an improved method and system forgenerating a personalised MMS message having a redeemable component.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is a preferred object of the invention to provide an improved methodand computer readable medium for generating a personalised MMS messagehaving a redeemable component that addresses or ameliorates one or moreof the aforementioned problems of the prior art or provides a usefulcommercial alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for generating afraud checked, personalised Multimedia Message Service (MMS) messagehaving a redeemable component. In particular, the present inventionrelates to generating a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent that can be scanned from a mobile computing device.

In one form, although not necessarily the broadest form, the inventionresides in a method for generating a personalised MMS message having aredeemable component, the method comprising:

-   -   receiving, at a server from a first computing device, a        selection of an MMS message product;    -   receiving, at the server from the first computing device, a        recipient contact identifier identifying a recipient mobile        number;    -   performing, via the server, a security verification of a        recipient or sender based on the recipient mobile number or one        or more details of the sender received from the first computing        device;    -   where the security verification is successful, generating, via        the server, based on the selection of the MMS message product, a        personalised MMS message having a redeemable component and a        personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient; and    -   transmitting, the personalised MMS message to a recipient mobile        computing device via a multimedia message service using the        recipient mobile number;    -   whereby the personalised MMS message is scannable or otherwise        immediately redeemable from the recipient mobile computing        device to pay for one or more products and/or services.

Preferably, the recipient contact identifier identifies a Mobile StationInternational Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN).

Preferably, the personalised MMS message having a redeemable componentcomprises a digital gift card, voucher, coupon, or advertisement.

Preferably, the redeemable component of the personalised MMS messagecomprises a unique code, such as a barcode or a quick response code,which is scannable from the recipient mobile computing device to pay forone or more products and/or services.

Preferably, no authentication of the recipient mobile computing deviceis required to redeem the personalised MMS message.

Preferably, no authentication of the recipient is required to redeem thepersonalised MMS message.

Preferably, the personalised MMS message comprises a picture or videoand/or audio that is personalised for the recipient.

Preferably, a personalised component of the personalised MMS messagecomprises the recipient's name.

Suitably, the personalised MMS message having a redeemable component isimmediately redeemable by clicking on a Uniform Resource Locator (URL)link displayed on the MMS message.

Preferably, the personalised MMS message includes animated graphics suchas an animated GIF file and can include sound.

Suitably, the recipient contact identifier comprises the recipientMSISDN.

Suitably, the recipient contact identifier identifies a contact forwhich the MSISDN is stored on the server.

Suitably, performing the security verification comprises:

-   -   determining a fraud risk profile score for each of the MSISDN or        one or more of the details of the sender.

Suitably, the method comprises:

-   -   comparing the fraud risk profile score to a fraud risk threshold        to determine whether the security verification is successful.

Suitably, determining the fraud risk profile score comprises:

-   -   comparing the MSISDN with one or more records of MSISDNs used in        relation to fraud or associated with poor credit ratings.

Suitably, the one or more details of the sender comprise one or more ofthe following: a sender MSISDN; a sender email address; and senderpayment details.

Suitably, determining the fraud risk profile score comprises one or moreof the following:

-   -   comparing the sender MSISDN with one or more records of MSISDNs        used in relation to fraud or associated with poor credit        ratings;    -   comparing the sender email address with one or more records of        email addresses used in relation to fraud and/or associated with        poor credit ratings;    -   comparing an internet protocol (IP) address of the first        computing device with a source IP address of packets received at        the server from the first computing device;    -   comparing the sender payment details with one or more records of        payment details used in relation to fraud or associated with        poor credit ratings; and    -   transmitting a request to a financial institution system to        check whether the payment details are valid.

Suitably, the method comprises receiving, at the server, a date or timeat which to transmit the personalised MMS message to the recipientmobile computing device.

Suitably, the method comprises scheduling the generation andtransmission of the personalised MMS message for the date or time.

Suitably, the personalised MMS message is transmitted to the recipientmobile computing device via an MMS gateway.

Preferably, the personalised MMS message is immediately redeemable usinga physical scanner.

In another form, although not necessarily the broadest form, theinvention resides in computer readable medium storing computer readablecode components that when selectively executed by a processor cause thefollowing:

-   -   receiving, at a server from a first computing device, a        selection of an MMS message product;    -   receiving, at the server from the first computing device, a        recipient contact identifier identifying a recipient mobile        number;    -   performing, via the server, a security verification of a        recipient or sender based on the recipient mobile number or one        or more details of the sender received from the first computing        device;    -   where the security verification is successful, generating, via        the server, based on the selection of the MMS message product, a        personalised MMS message having a redeemable component and a        personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient; and    -   transmitting, the personalised MMS message to a recipient mobile        computing device via a multimedia message service (MMS) using        the recipient mobile number;    -   whereby the personalised MMS message is scannable or otherwise        immediately redeemable from the recipient mobile computing        device to pay for one or more products and/or services.

Preferably, the personalised MMS message can be tracked as it is aregistered service.

Embodiments of the present invention thus enable the instant delivery ofindividual and personalised, trackable, rich media messages direct toany mobile user. The technology process disclosed herein is a catalystfor a major transformation in business to people (B2P) communications.The process can have immediate and broad ranging impact in theadvertising and promotions industries as well as in the transmission andredemption of digital financial value products such as coupons, vouchersand gifts.

Preferably, the transmission to the recipient is personalised anduniquely codes a rich multimedia message (MMS) that arrives direct andcomplete in a user's TXT inbox, which inbox has superior access to usersthan other current communications platforms.

Further forms and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be readily understood and put intopractical effect, reference will now be made to preferred embodiments ofthe present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings,wherein like reference numbers refer to identical elements. The presentdrawings and description are generally focused on the embodiment of thepresent invention in the form of digital gift cards; however thoseskilled in the art will appreciate that the teachings herein are alsoapplicable to other embodiments such as digital vouchers, coupons,advertisements or messages. The drawings are provided by way of exampleonly, wherein:

FIG. 1 illustrates a method for generating a personalised MMS messagehaving a redeemable component according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a digital gift card according to one embodiment ofthe invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic showing a method performed in an orderprocessing system according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a security verification methodaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of another security verification methodaccording to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system according to one embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 illustrates a login screen of an app according to one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 8 illustrates a menu screen of the app according to one embodimentof the invention;

FIG. 9 illustrates a shop local screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 10 illustrates a gift card product screen of the app according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 11 illustrates a recipient selection screen of the app according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 12 illustrates a recipient details screen of the app according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 13 illustrates a gift card preview screen of the app according toone embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 14 illustrates a checkout screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 15 illustrates a scheduler screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 16 illustrates selection of a date/time via a date/time selectionscreen of the app according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 17 illustrates selection of a time zone via a date/time selectionscreen of the app according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 18 illustrates a confirmation screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 19 illustrates a message app on the recipient mobile computingdevice according to one embodiment;

FIG. 20 illustrates an MMS message comprising a digital gift cardaccording to one embodiment;

FIG. 21 illustrates a GEO location screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22 illustrates a wallet screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 23 illustrates a payment screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 24 illustrates a gift card screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25 illustrates a loyalties screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 26 illustrates a registration screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention

FIG. 27 illustrates a deals screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 28 illustrates a business deal screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 29 illustrates a offers screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 30 illustrates a business offers screen of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 31 illustrates a digital gift card according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention including a clickable link for redeeming thecard.

Skilled addressees will appreciate that elements in the drawings areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the relative dimensions of some of theelements in the drawings may be distorted to help improve understandingof embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to systems and methods for personalisedMMS message having a redeemable component. In particular, the presentinvention relates to generating a digital gift card, voucher, coupon,advertisement or message that can be scanned or that is otherwiseimmediately redeemable from a mobile computing device.

FIG. 1 illustrates a method 100 for generating a personalised MultimediaMessage Service (MMS) message having a redeemable component and apersonalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient, according to oneembodiment of the invention. The method 100 comprises the followingsteps:

At step 110, the method 100 comprises receiving, at a server from afirst computing device, a selection of an MMS message product. Theselection of the MMS message product can include, for example, aselection of a business or businesses for which the personalised MMSmessage is to be used and/or a selection of a monetary value for theredeemable component of the personalised MMS message. In someembodiments, the server also receives a message for the recipient of thepersonalised MMS message from the first computing device.

At step 120, the method 100 comprises receiving, at the server from thefirst computing device, a recipient contact identifier identifying arecipient mobile number such as a Mobile Station InternationalSubscriber Directory Number (MSISDN). For example, the recipient contactidentifier comprises the recipient MSISDN or identifies a contact forwhich the MSISDN is stored on the server.

At step 130, the method 100 comprises performing, via the server, asecurity verification of the recipient or sender based on the MSISDN orone or more details of the sender received from the first computingdevice.

If the security verification is successful, at step 140, the method 100comprises generating, via the server, based on the selection of the MMSmessage product, a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent and a personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient.

At step 150, the method 100 comprises transmitting the personalised MMSmessage to a recipient mobile computing device via a multimedia messageservice (MMS) using the recipient MSISDN.

The personalised MMS message is then active and scannable from therecipient mobile computing device to pay for one or more products and/orservices, for example, via a laser scanner at a point of sale.

FIG. 2 illustrates a digital gift card 200 according to one embodimentof the invention. The digital gift card 200 comprises a unique code 210,such as a barcode or a quick response code, which is scannable from therecipient mobile computing device to pay for one or more products and/orservices. For example, the barcode can be a pdf417 barcode such that itis readable via laser scanners regularly found in retail stores.

The digital gift card 200 also includes a monetary value 220 of thedigital gift card 200, a validity date 230 until which the digital giftcard 200 is valid, a business identifier 240 identifying a business ororganisation with which the digital gift card 200 is associated, areference number 250, a pin number 270 and a message 260 for therecipient of the digital gift card 200.

Advantages of the present invention thus include enabling a transactionexperience involving a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent and a personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipientto include more of the excitement, timing, spontaneity and warmth of an“in person” transaction. For example, digital gift cards according tosome embodiments can be redeemed immediately when opened, and withoutthe need for the gift card recipient to execute tedious registration orauthentication processes. Further, according to some embodiments,because MMS messages are generally monitored by mobile device users muchmore closely than email, a digital gift card can be timed to be sent andreceived by a recipient at an exact predetermined moment when the senderbelieves the excitement of receiving the card will be greatest.

According to various embodiments of the present invention, personalisedMMS messages having a redeemable component as described herein includevarious types of electronic gift cards, coupons, advertisements andvouchers used for various occasions, including business promotions andpersonal gifts.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a personalised MMSmessage having a redeemable component and a personalised image uniquelyrendered for the recipient that is sent to a mobile computing devicewhile mitigating security and fraud risks. In particular, embodiments ofthe present invention provide a fraud and/or security checked messagevia MMS. The redeemable component of the personalised MMS message can bescanned directly from the message and therefore does not require therecipient to follow URL links that could put the recipient's computingdevice at risk of viruses, for example, by opening URL links fromfraudulent messages or emails.

Further, each MMS message is not only personalised but uniquelytrackable based on: a) the code presented; b) the number the MMS messageis sent to; and/or c) unique attributes of the uniquely renderedpersonalised image such as a digital “fingerprint” of the image. Thusthere can be complete trace ability from initial purchase to delivery;if a card is lost/stolen then it can be replaced easily, and remindersand follow-ups can be sent to ensure effective delivery and usage.

Further, embodiments of the present invention also enable a senderand/or receiver to be checked in relation to fraud a non-intrusivemanner based on the existence of social media profiles and networkscrapes relating to the sender and/or receivers details.

FIG. 3 illustrates a schematic showing a method 300 performed in anorder processing system for ordering a digital gift card according toone embodiment of the invention.

The order processing system includes a gift system 301, a gift cardscheduler 302 and an order system 303. The gift system 301 transmits andreceives data from one or more first computing devices 620, for examplein relation to orders for gift card products. The gift card scheduler302 manages timing for the delivery of gift cards to recipients suchthat a sender of a gift card can choose for the gift card to be receivedby a recipient at a specific time. The order system 303 stores detailsfor orders of gift card products which are used to generate a digitalgift card for delivery to a recipient.

At step 310, an order is received by the gift system 301 from a firstcomputing device 620. For example, the order can be received via aselection of a gift card product, one or more parameters for the giftcard, such as the monetary value and/or the message for the recipient.The order can also include a date and/or time at which to transmit adigital gift card to a recipient mobile computing device. At step 315,order details of the order are transmitted from the gift system 301 tothe order system 303, and at step 320, a delivery date and/or time forthe order is transmitted from the gift system 301 to the gift cardscheduler 302. The gift card scheduler 302 schedules the generation andtransmission of the digital gift card for the date and/or time.

The gift system 301 receives a confirmation from the gift card scheduler302 that the delivery is scheduled at step 325, and transmits anotification to the first computing device 620 that the order wassuccessful at step 330. The gift card scheduler 302 waits for thedelivery date and/or time as represented by step 335. When the deliverytime arrives, the gift card scheduler 302 transmits a request for theorder details to the order system 303 at step 340. At step 345, the giftcard scheduler 302 receives the order details from the order system 303and, at step 350, the order system 303 generates a digital gift card.

A unique code is allocated for the digital gift card. For example, theunique code can be allocated via a system of a retailer, or from a listof unique codes received from a retailer and associated with specificproducts. In some embodiments, the unique code is generated via analgorithm on the server and transmitted to a system of the retailer, forexample, with associated details of the gift card product, such that theunique code can be recognised by scanners at the retailer.

The gift card scheduler 302 transmits the generated digital gift card toa MMS gateway 640 at step 355 and, at step 360, the MMS gateway 640transmits a MMS message comprising the digital gift card to a recipientmobile computing device 630. At step 365, the MMS gateway 640 transmitsa delivery status to the gift card scheduler 302. After the MMS messageis delivered, at step 370 the gift card scheduler 302 transmits adelivery notification to the gift system 301.

FIG. 4 illustrates a schematic of a security verification method 400performed by a security check system according to one embodiment of theinvention. For example, the method 400 is performed to verify whether asender is trustworthy when the sender registers with, or logs onto, thegift system.

The security check system comprises a multidimensional verification(MDV) server 401, a MSISDN fact checker 402, a social profile factchecker 403 and a session details fact checker 404. The MDV server 401performs a security verification of the sender based on one or moredetails of the sender received from the first computing device 620. TheMSISDN fact checker 402 uses a MSISDN or mobile phone number scrapereporter to determine security or fraud risks in relation to MSISDNs.The social profile fact checker 403 uses network scrapes of social mediaprofiles associated with email addresses to determine security or fraudrisks in relation to email addresses. The session details fact checker404 compares device and session details received from the firstcomputing device with packet data received from the first computingdevice to determine whether the user of the first computing device ishiding or spoofing their location and/or identity.

At step 410, the MDV server 401 receives one or more details of thesender from the first computing device 620. For example, the one or moredetails of the sender comprise a sender MSISDN, a sender email address,sender payment details, sender session details and/or details of thefirst computing device. At step 415, the sender MSISDN is transmittedfrom the MDV server 401 to the MSISDN fact checker 402. The MSISDN factchecker 402 compares the sender MSISDN with one or more records ofMSISDNs used in relation to fraud and/or associated with poor creditratings. At step 420, a fraud risk profile score is received at the MDVserver 401 from the MSISDN fact checker 402. The fraud risk profilescore is based on the comparison performed by the MSISDN fact checker402.

At step 425, the sender email address is transmitted from the MDV server401 to the social profile fact checker 403. The social profile factchecker 403 compares the sender email address with one or more recordsof email addresses used in relation to fraud and/or associated with poorcredit ratings, for example, on social media. At step 430, a fraud riskprofile score is received at the MDV server 401 from the social profilefact checker 403. The fraud risk profile score is based on thecomparison performed by the social profile fact checker 403.

At step 435, sender session details and/or details of the firstcomputing device are transmitted from the MDV server 401 to the sessiondetails fact checker 404. The session details fact checker 404 comparesthe sender session details and/or details of the first computing devicereceived from the first computing device with the session details anddetails of the first computer as determined at the server 401. Forexample, the session details fact checker 404 compares an internetprotocol (IP) address of the first computing device 620 with a source IPaddress of packets received at the server 401 from the first computingdevice 620. This enables the session details fact checker 404 todetermine whether the sender is concealing their IP address from theserver 401 via a proxy or another method. At step 440, a fraud riskprofile score is received at the MDV server 401 from the session detailsfact checker 404. The fraud risk profile score is based on thecomparison performed by the session details fact checker 404.

At step 445, the fraud risk profile scores are compared to a fraud riskthreshold to determine whether the security verification is successful.If the security verification is successful, an approval of the senderdetails is transmitted from the MDV server 401 to the first computingdevice 620. The server can also send a short message service (SMS)message including a code to a mobile computing device associated withthe sender to provide a two-step verification. If the securityverification fails, the sender is flagged for a follow up.

FIG. 5 illustrates a schematic of a security verification method 500performed by a security check system according to one embodiment of theinvention. For example, the security verification method 500 isperformed to verify a purchase of a gift card for a recipient via thepresent gift system.

The security check system comprises the MDV server 401, the MSISDN factchecker 402 and a payment details fact checker 406. The payment detailsfact checker 403 checks records of payment methods used in relation tofraud or associated with poor credit records to determine a security orfraud risk in relation to the payment details. This provides anadditional level of security in relation to the payment beyond methodssuch as a bank identification number (BIN) and card verification value(CVV) lookup which are typically performed during a card payment or aPayPal log in used for a PayPal payment.

At step 510, the multidimensional verification (MDV) server 401 receivesa request from the first computing device 620 to purchase a gift cardproduct. For example, the request can include an MSISDN of a recipientof the digital gift card and payment details for the gift card product.At step 515, the MSISDN is transmitted from the MDV server 401 to theMSISDN fact checker 402. The MSISDN fact checker 402 compares the MSISDNwith one or more records of MSISDNs used in relation to fraud and/orassociated with poor credit ratings. At step 520, a fraud risk profilescore is received at the MDV server 401 from the MSISDN fact checker402.

At step 525, the payment details, such as a BIN number and CVVassociated with a payment method, are transmitted from the MDV server401 to a financial institution server 405, for example, to pay for agift card product. The financial institution server 405 checks whetherthe payment details are valid. At step 530, an approval of the paymentdetails is received at the MDV server 401 from the financial institutionserver 405.

At step 535, the payment details are transmitted from the MDV server 401to a payment details fact checker 406. The payment details fact checker406 compares the payment details with one or more records of paymentdetails used in relation to fraud and/or associated with poor creditratings. At step 540, a fraud risk profile score is received at the MDVserver 401 from the payment details fact checker 406. The fraud riskprofile score is based on the comparison performed by the paymentdetails fact checker 405.

At step 545, the fraud risk profile scores are compared to a fraud riskthreshold to determine whether the security verification is successful.The security verification is also based on the approval of the paymentdetails. If the security verification is successful, an approval of thepurchase is transmitted from the MDV server 401 to the first computingdevice 620. If the security verification fails, the sender and/orreceiver is flagged for a follow up.

When the MDV process is operational the company builds a unique array ofattributes that relate peculiarly to each unique transaction—this arrayis so complex that within the industry it is often referred to as adigital finger print—in that it is so unique it is a one off, and cannotbe fraudulently generated. If the fingerprint attributes show up flagsfor fraud or manual review the order is cancelled and an image is notgenerated and is not sent.

FIG. 6 illustrates a system 600 according to one embodiment of theinvention. For example, the method 100, the method 300, the securityverification method 400 and/or the security verification method 500 areimplemented in the system 600.

The system 600 comprises a server 610 that is in communication with afirst computing device 620 via a communications network 650. The server610 comprises a computer memory 612 which can be, for example, acomputer readable medium. The computer memory 612 stores computerreadable code components 614 that when selectively executed by aprocessor 616 implement one or more aspects of the present invention,such as, the method 100, the method 300, the security verificationmethod 400 and the security verification method 500.

As will be understood by someone having ordinary skill in the art, theserver 610 can incorporate various elements used in executing themethods, 100, 300, 400, 500, including, for example, the gift system301, gift card scheduler 302, order system 303, MDV server 401, MSISDNfact checker 402, social profile fact checker 403 and session detailsfact checker 404, and payment details fact checker 406.

The first computing device 620 can also store computer readable codecomponents 624 for communicating with the server 610. The firstcomputing device 620 can comprises a memory 622, such as a computerreadable medium upon which the computer readable code components 624 arestored. The computer readable code components 624 can be selectivelyexecuted by a processor 626 of the first computing device 620 toimplement one or more aspects of the present invention.

The server 610 is also in communication with an MMS gateway 640. MMSmessages, for example, comprising a digital gift card, can be sent fromthe MMS gateway via a communications network 660 to a recipient mobilecomputing device 630.

FIGS. 7-18 and 21-29 illustrate an app for receiving orders for adigital gift card. In some embodiments, the app is stored on thecomputer readable medium of the first computing device 620 and executedvia the processor of the first computing device. In some embodiments,the app is downloadable to the first computing device 620 from an appstore and/or the server 610.

FIG. 7 illustrates a login screen 700 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The login screen 700 comprises a usernamefield 710 to receive a username, a password field 720 to receive apassword and a login button 730 to log in using the username andpassword. The login screen 700 also comprises a Facebook login button740 to log in using a Facebook identity and a register button 750 toregister as a new user.

FIG. 8 illustrates a menu screen 800 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. For example, the menu screen 800 opens whenthe user logs in. The menu screen 800 comprises selectable indicia foropening aspects of the app. The selectable indicia include a“favourites” indicia 810, a “shop local” indicia 820, a “best buys”indicia 830, a “my wallet” indicia 840, a “big brands” indicia 850 and a“settings” indicia 860. The menu screen 800 also comprises a walletvalue 870 showing funds that the user has available to spend, and awelcome message 870 including a name of the user. After log in, thewallet can be locked to prevent purchases while the MDV server 401performs the security verification method 400. In some embodiments, whena two-step verification is used, the wallet remains locked until thesender enters the code provided via the SMS message.

FIG. 9 illustrates a shop local screen 900 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. For example, the shop local screen 900opens when the “shop local” indicia 820 is selected. The shop localscreen 900 comprises selectable business indicia 910. The selectablebusiness indicia 910 can be selected to select a gift card product.

FIG. 10 illustrates a gift card product screen 1000 of the app accordingto one embodiment of the invention. For example, the gift card productscreen 1000 opens when a business indicium 910 is selected. The giftcard product screen 1000 includes details of the gift card product, suchas, the business name 1040, the business logo 1050 and details 1060regarding the gift card and/or the business. For example, details 1060can include promotion details and/or disclaimers regarding the businessor gift card.

The gift card product screen 1000 comprises selectable value indicia1010. The selectable value indicia 1010 can be selected to select avalue for the gift card, such as $300, $50 or $75. A favourites button1020 is selectable to store the selected gift card product as afavourite. A user can proceed to purchase the gift card product byselecting a “buy” button 1030.

FIG. 11 illustrates a recipient selection screen 1100 of the appaccording to one embodiment of the invention. For example, the recipientselection screen 1100 opens when the “buy” button 1030 is selected. Therecipient selection screen 1100 comprises selectable recipient indicia1110. The selectable recipient indicia 1110 can be selected to select arecipient for the gift card, for example, from a list of contacts on thefirst computing device 620. A search field 1120 is provided to searchfor a recipient and a “cancel” button is provided to cancel thepurchase.

FIG. 12 illustrates a recipient details screen 1200 of the app accordingto one embodiment of the invention. For example, the recipient detailsscreen 1200 opens when a recipient indicium 1110 is selected. Therecipient details screen 1200 comprises details of the recipient, suchas, a name 1210 and a mobile telephone number or MSISDN 1220 of therecipient. An editable text field 1230 is provided to enable the senderto compose a message for the recipient. A “preview” button 1240 isselectable to preview the gift card. An “add giftee” button 1250 isselectable to select more recipients and a delete button 1260 isselectable to remove a selected recipient.

FIG. 13 illustrates a gift card preview screen 1300 of the app accordingto one embodiment of the invention. The gift card preview screen 1300shows a preview 1310 of the gift card including the business 1320 withwhich the gift card is associated, the monetary value 1330 of the giftcard and the message 1340 for the recipient of the gift card. A“checkout” button 1350 is provided to proceed to a checkout screen andpay for the gift card product.

FIG. 14 illustrates a checkout screen 1400 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The checkout screen 1400 shows the price1410 of the purchase and one or more selectable payment indicia 1420.The one or more selectable payment indicia 1420 select a payment methodfor paying for the gift card product. In preferred embodiments, the MDVserver 401 performs the security verification method 500 in relation tothe selected payment method and recipient. For example, the securityverification method 500 can be performed by a background process inparts as each recipient and payment method is selected.

FIG. 15 illustrates a scheduler screen 1500 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The scheduler screen 1500 comprisesselectable indicia to select a date and/or time for delivery of thedigital gift card to the recipient. The selectable indicia include a“send now” indicium 1510 to deliver the digital gift card immediatelyand a “schedule for later” indicium 1520 to schedule the digital giftcard to be sent at a later date and/or time.

FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate a date/time selection screen 1600 of the appaccording to one embodiment of the invention. The date/time selectionscreen 1600 comprises a date/time selection field 1610 and a time zoneselection field 1620. The date/time can be selected by selecting thedate/time selection field 1610 and then selecting the date/time from ascrollable selection field 1630, as shown in FIG. 16. Similarly, thetime zone can be selected by selecting the time zone selection field1620 and then selecting the time zone from a scrollable selection field1640, as shown in FIG. 17. A “send” button is selectable to schedule thedelivery with the selected date/time and time zone.

If the security verifications are successful, the gift card product ispurchased and a digital gift card is scheduled for delivery to therecipient mobile computing device at the selected date/time.

FIG. 18 illustrates a confirmation screen 1800 of the app according toone embodiment of the invention. The confirmation screen 1800 confirmsthat the gift card product has been purchased and that a digital giftcard will be delivered to the recipient mobile computing device 630 atthe selected date/time. The wallet value 870 on the confirmation screen1800 has been debited by the price of the gift card product.

FIG. 19 illustrates a message app 1900 on the recipient mobile computingdevice 630 according to one embodiment. The message app shows a list ofselectable message indicia including an MMS message indicium 1910entitled “secure gift card” and a short message service (SMS) messageindicia 1920 entitled “GiftSMS”. The SMS message indicium 1920 isselectable to open an SMS message which notifies the recipient that theyhave been sent a secure digital gift card. The MMS message indicia 1910opens an MMS message comprising the digital gift card.

FIG. 20 illustrates an MMS message 2000 comprising a digital gift card2010 according to one embodiment. For example, the MMS message 2000 canbe viewed by selecting the MMS message indicia 1910 in the message app1900. The MMS message 2000 notifies the recipient that the digital giftcard 2010 has been security and fraud checked. For security, for exampleto defend against viruses, the MMS message 2000 contains no uniformresource locator (URL) links to external content. However, the digitalgift card 2010 can be viewed in full by selecting the digital gift card2010 in the MMS message 2000. The digital gift card 2010 is activatedand ready for immediate use when it is received.

Embodiments of the present invention can also include animated graphics.For example, in the digital gift card 2010 the green feather above theword “dream” can be animated via an animated GIF (Graphics InterchangeFormat) file.

FIG. 21 illustrates a GEO location screen 2100 of the app according toone embodiment of the invention. The GEO location screen 2100 includes aselectable “enable” indicia 2110 to enable the use of location in theapp and a radius selection menu 2120 to select a radius within whichbusinesses will be shown on the app.

FIG. 22 illustrates a wallet screen 2200 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The wallet screen 2200 shows the user'scurrent funds. Additional funds can be added to the wallet by selectingan amount to add via an amount menu 2220 and selecting a top up indicia2230.

FIG. 23 illustrates a payment screen 2300 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. For example, the payment screen 2300 isopened when the top up indicia 2230 is selected. The payment screen 2300comprises payment method indicia 2310 to select a payment method and a“done” button to proceed with the payment.

FIG. 24 illustrates a gift card screen 2400 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The gift card screen 2400 comprisesselectable indicia 2410 for opening digital gift cards that have beenreceived by the user of the app. For example, the app can be linked to amessage handler of the recipient mobile device 630 running the app toenable the app to automatically recognise and store digital gift cardreceived by the recipient mobile device 630.

FIG. 25 illustrates a loyalties screen 2500 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The loyalties screen 2500 shows a loyaltybonus earned by purchasing gift cards for particular retailers of one ormore digital gift cards stored on the recipient mobile device 630.

FIG. 26 illustrates a registration screen 2600 of the app according toone embodiment of the invention. The registration screen compriseseditable text fields to receive details of a new user. The editable textfields include a “first name” field to receive a first name of the user,a “last name” field to receive a surname of the user, an “email” fieldto receive an email address of the user, an “password” field to receivea password of the user, a “confirm password” field to receive thepassword of the user again for confirmation and a “mobile number” fieldto receive an MSISDN or mobile telephone number of the user.

FIG. 27 illustrates a deals screen 2700 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The deals screen 2700 comprises selectableindicia 2710 for selecting deals from one or more businesses. Theselectable indicia 2710 can direct the app to the website of theselected business or an associated advertiser, for example, to view moredetails of the selected deal.

FIG. 28 illustrates a business deal screen 2800 of the app according toone embodiment of the invention. The business deal screen 2800 shows theselected deal and includes details of the deal 2810, a price offered2820 and a buy button 2830 to purchase the product for which the deal isoffered. In some embodiments, a record of the businesses which the userhas visited is recorded by the app and transmitted to the server.

FIG. 29 illustrates an offers screen 2900 of the app according to oneembodiment of the invention. The offers screen 2900 comprises selectableindicia 2910 for selecting one or more businesses to view offers ofcoupons from the selected business.

FIG. 30 illustrates a business offers screen 3000 of the app accordingto one embodiment of the invention. The business offers screen 3000shows offers and/or coupons for the selected business. Details 3010 ofeach offer or coupon are shown and selectable indicia 3020 can beselected to retrieve the offer or coupon. For example, a coupon can becopied to the clipboard of the computing device to use in a purchase. Insome embodiments, the selectable indicia 3020 direct the app to thewebsite of the selected business or an associated advertiser, forexample, to view more details of the offer or coupon. In someembodiments, a record of the businesses which the user has visited isrecorded by the app and transmitted to the server. The records of visitsto businesses enable a user's preferences to be learnt such that the appcan provide targeted advertising or show businesses that match a user'spreferences.

FIG. 31 illustrates a digital gift card 3100 according to an alternativeembodiment of the invention. Rather than including a bar code that isphysically scannable to immediately redeem a card, the digital gift card3100 includes a clickable link, such as a link associated with the text“Gift Card # 426477100”. Clicking the link initiates a process forimmediately redeeming the gift card 3100 online. For example, accordingto some embodiments such immediate redeeming means that the gift card3100 as delivered can be redeemed directly by the recipient as describedabove concerning physically scannable embodiments, but where suchredemption occurs online, and without the need for the recipient tocomplete a registration process as required in the prior art.

In summary, embodiments of the present invention enable a transactionexperience involving a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent to include more of the excitement, timing, spontaneity andwarmth of an “in person” transaction. For example, digital gift cardsaccording to some embodiments can be redeemed immediately when opened,and without the need for the gift card recipient to execute tediousregistration processes. Further, according to some embodiments, adigital gift card can be timed to be sent and received by a recipient atan exact predetermined moment when the sender believes the excitement ofreceiving the card will be greatest.

Embodiments of the present invention also provide a personalised MMSmessage having a redeemable component to a mobile computing device whilemitigating security and fraud risks. In particular, embodiments of thepresent invention provide a fraud and/or security checked message viaMMS. The redeemable component of the personalised MMS message can bescanned directly from the message and therefore does not require therecipient to follow URL links that could put the recipient's computingdevice at risk of viruses, for example, by opening URL links fromfraudulent messages or emails.

Embodiments of the present invention also enable a sender and/orreceiver to be checked in relation to fraud a non-intrusive manner basedon the existence of social media profiles and network scrapes relatingto the sender and/or receivers details.

In this specification, the terms “comprises”, “comprising” or similarterms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that anapparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include thoseelements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and shouldnot be taken as, an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that theprior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Throughout the specification the aim has been to describe the inventionwithout limiting the invention to any one embodiment or specificcollection of features. Persons skilled in the relevant art may realizevariations from the specific embodiments that will nonetheless fallwithin the scope of the invention.

1. A method for generating a personalised MMS message having aredeemable component, the method comprising: receiving, at a server froma first computing device, a selection of an MMS message product;receiving, at the server from the first computing device, a recipientcontact identifier identifying a recipient mobile number; performing,via the server, a security verification of a recipient or sender basedon the recipient mobile number or one or more details of the senderreceived from the first computing device; where the securityverification is successful, generating, via the server, based on theselection of the MMS message product, a personalised MMS message havinga redeemable component and a personalised image uniquely rendered forthe recipient; and transmitting, the personalised MMS message to arecipient mobile computing device via a multimedia message service usingthe recipient mobile number; whereby the personalised MMS message isscannable or otherwise immediately redeemable from the recipient mobilecomputing device to pay for one or more products and/or services.
 2. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the recipient contact identifier identifies aMobile Station International Subscriber Directory Number (MSISDN). 3.The method of claim 1, wherein the personalised MMS message having aredeemable component comprises a digital gift card, voucher, coupon, oradvertisement.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the redeemablecomponent of the personalised MMS message comprises a unique code thatis scannable from the recipient mobile computing device to pay for oneor more products and/or services.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein theunique code is a barcode or a quick response code.
 6. The method ofclaim 1, wherein no authentication of the recipient mobile computingdevice is required to redeem the personalised MMS message.
 7. The methodof claim 1, wherein no authentication of the recipient is required toredeem the personalised MMS message.
 8. The method of claim 1, whereinthe personalised MMS message comprises a picture or video that ispersonalised for the recipient.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein apersonalised component of the personalised MMS message comprises therecipient's name.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalisedMMS message having a redeemable component is immediately redeemable byclicking on a Uniform Resource Locator (URL) link displayed on the MMSmessage.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalised MMS messageincludes animated graphics such as an animated GIF file.
 12. The methodof claim 1, wherein the recipient contact identifier comprises arecipient MSISDN.
 13. The method of claim 1, wherein the recipientcontact identifier identifies a contact for which an associated MSISDNis stored on the server.
 14. The method of claim 1, wherein performingthe security verification comprises: determining a fraud risk profilescore for each of the MSISDN or one or more of the details of thesender.
 15. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more details ofthe sender comprise one or more of the following: a sender MSISDN; asender email address; and sender payment details.
 16. The method ofclaim 1, wherein determining the fraud risk profile score comprises oneor more of the following: comparing the sender MSISDN with one or morerecords of MSISDNs used in relation to fraud or associated with poorcredit ratings; comparing the sender email address with one or morerecords of email addresses used in relation to fraud and/or associatedwith poor credit ratings; comparing an internet protocol (IP) address ofthe first computing device with a source IP address of packets receivedat the server from the first computing device; comparing the senderpayment details with one or more records of payment details used inrelation to fraud or associated with poor credit ratings; andtransmitting a request to a financial institution system to checkwhether the payment details are valid.
 17. The method of claim 1,further comprising receiving, at the server, a date or time at which totransmit the personalised MMS message to the recipient mobile computingdevice.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising scheduling thegeneration and transmission of the personalised MMS message for the dateor time.
 19. The method of claim 1, wherein the personalised MMS messageis uniquely trackable based on: a) the code presented; b) the number theMMS message is sent to; and c) unique attributes of the uniquelyrendered personalised image.
 20. A computer readable medium storingcomputer readable code components that when selectively executed by aprocessor cause the following: receiving, at a server from a firstcomputing device, a selection of an MMS message product; receiving, atthe server from the first computing device, a recipient contactidentifier identifying a recipient mobile number; performing, via theserver, a security verification of a recipient or sender based on therecipient mobile number or one or more details of the sender receivedfrom the first computing device; where the security verification issuccessful, generating, via the server, based on the selection of theMMS message product, a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent and a personalised image uniquely rendered for the recipient ;and transmitting, the personalised MMS message to a recipient mobilecomputing device via a multimedia message service (MMS) using therecipient mobile number; whereby the personalised MMS message isscannable or otherwise immediately redeemable from the recipient mobilecomputing device to pay for one or more products and/or services.
 21. Aserver for generating a personalised MMS message having a redeemablecomponent, the server comprising: a processor configured to: receive,from a first computing device, a selection of an MMS message product;receive, from the first computing device, a recipient contact identifieridentifying a recipient mobile number; perform a security verificationof a recipient or sender based on the recipient mobile number or one ormore details of the sender received from the first computing device; andwhere the security verification is successful, generate, based on theselection of the MMS message product, a personalised MMS message havinga redeemable component and a personalised image uniquely rendered forthe recipient; and initiate transmission of the personalised MMS messageto a recipient mobile computing device via a multimedia message serviceusing the recipient mobile number; and memory configured to storecomputer readable code components that are executable by the processor;whereby the personalised MMS message is scannable or otherwiseimmediately redeemable from the recipient mobile computing device to payfor one or more products and/or services.